Preventive Measures That May Help

PREVENTIVE MEASURES THAT MAY HELP

Are You a Harasser?

What Should You Do If You Might Fit Into The Description Of Sexual Harassment?

·  Immediately stop any behaviors that you remotely suspect may be interpreted as harassing.

·  Stop telling off-color jokes or stories.

·  Stop touching colleagues or subordinates in a manner that might be perceived as sexual harassment. A simple handshake is fine.

·  Stop any sexually oriented kidding around or any sexual remarks or propositions, even if everyone "knows" you are kidding.

Ask Yourself the Following Questions - and be Honest with Your Answers

·  Do you treat people of both sexes equally?

·  Do you care if you offend people?

·  Do you ever use negative behavior to get attention?

·  Do you ever consider the effect of your action on how others feel about you and their job?

·  Do you ever "flirt" for recreation?

·  Do you ever feel a sense of power when you make others uncomfortable?

·  Do you understand the fact that some people have a need for more personal space than others?

·  Do you really listen when someone tries to tell you something that you do not want to hear?

·  Are you seriously interested in changing your behavior?

WAYS TO PREVENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT

·  Consider your attitude about sexual harassment. How would you feel if you, a relative or friend was harassed? What would you do?

·  Set a positive example by treating everyone with respect. Let others know you expect the same of them.

·  Talk with co-workers about sexual harassment.

·  Avoid making assumptions that "practical jokes," "friendly gestures," etc., are harmless or inoffensive. Quite often, they’re not viewed that way.

·  Don’t go along with the crowd or accept behavior that may be offensive. Make your feelings known. Ask that the offensive behavior be stopped.

·  Think before making personal comments or asking personal questions. Could they make the other person feel uncomfortable?

·  Be supportive of people who are being sexually harassed. Remind them that sexual harassment is never the victim’s fault. Encourage them to take action. Offer to be a witness.

·  Never ignore sexual harassment. It won’t go away on its own. Take action to stop it. Remember that no one has the right to harass you or any other employee.

·  Don’t hesitate to seek help. Sexual harassment often causes stress, emotional pain, and many other problems.

·  Remaining silent or quitting your job may not be the best solution. These actions let the harasser "get away with it"- and continue to harass others.